As soon as Jacob Vershum was born on Dec. 12, 2000, his parents Barb and Dale knew he was special for more than one reason.

One of those reasons was that he would celebrate his 12th birthday on Dec. 12, 2012.

Or, make that 12 on 12-12-12.

Jacob Vershum will celebrate his birthday the last time the calendar will align numerically until Jan 1, 2101.

"It's been talked about all his life, that he will be 12 on 12-12-12," his mother said. "He's very excited and has been telling everybody about it."

Jacob is a sixth-grader at St. Stephen Lutheran School in Adrian.

Barb called him an active person in his community. He helps grow vegetables to sell in the summer to buy toys and gaming systems. He sets aside part of the money so he can buy a car when he is old enough to drive. He also helps his dad plant and maintain pumpkins for the autumn season.

Jacob, who holds a green belt in tai kwan do, also enjoys playing soccer, his mother said.

"We have been giving him a gift each day as a 12-day countdown to his birthday," she said.